Grants

Grants to Help Pay for College

Grants are a type of financial aid that you typically do not have to repay. They are awarded based on financial need and may come from federal, state, or institutional sources. This page outlines the grant programs available at Riverland and helps you understand how to qualify, apply, and receive funding to support your education. 

Child Care Grant

The Child Care Grant program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, are not receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and who demonstrate financial need for grants, to help pay for child care while pursuing a postsecondary education.

Federal Pell Grants

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.  The amount of aid you can receive depends on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and more.

Amounts can change annually. For 2023-2024 (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024), the award amount is up to $7,395.  The amount you get, though, will depend on

  • your financial need,
  • your cost of attendance,
  • your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
  • your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. 

You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Appy for the Federal Pell Grant by completing your FAFSA.

 

Minnesota GI Bill

The Minnesota GI Bill program was established in 2007 to provide postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans and service members as well as eligible spouses and children of deceased or severely disabled eligible Minnesota veterans.

Online Application 

Minnesota State Grant

State Grants help students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges or universities. 

North Star Promise Scholarship

Beginning in Fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota Residents at eligible institutions. 

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) can provide additional grant money to a student's financial aid package if he or she has demonstrated financial need.

 

Who is Eligible?

Undergraduates or vocational students who are enrolled at least half time are eligible. Priority is given to students already receiving a Pell Grant.